About Sangharsha
Sangharsha Krida Mandal- a 42 years old Kabaddi Team. Won many competitions and developed many national players, referee, and coaches. Also working in Art, Culture, Health, Environment, and nature. Ready for its first Marathon.
The story from 1981 reflects a significant moment in the lives of the young kabaddi players of D.B.J. College, Chiplun. It was a time when few youngsters, including Bhau Katdare, Nayan Sadwilkar, Bhau Pawar, Munna Kadam, Bandhu Kadam, Bawa Sawant-Desai, Raja Chavan, Shirya Sawant, Kamu Bendke, Tatya Awle, Milind Chaudhary, Pradeep Pawar, and Kiran Jaguste, were deeply passionate about kabaddi. All of us had a strong desire to field a college team for the prestigious Kohinoor Mitra Mandal competition held during Gokulashtami.
However, the path to participation wasn’t easy. When we sought permission from the sports professor, and subsequently from the principal, we were initially met with resistance due to the ongoing exams. Despite this setback, our determination did not waver. A group of seven or eight of us approached the principal directly. While walking towards the cabin Munna said “We have to fight (संघर्ष) against this”.
The principal, impressed by your passion and commitment, granted permission on the condition that our academic performance would not suffer. This victory was not just about being allowed to play; it was a testament to the strength of your determination and teamwork. Our team not only participated in the tournament but also excelled, winning the college title.
In 1982, as most of us completed our final year in college, the natural next step was to continue our passion for kabaddi outside of the academic environment. With no local team to play for, the idea of forming a new team began to take shape. Bhau Katdare took the initiative, with the support of the other players, to explore this possibility.
On 18th July 1982, at 5 pm, a pivotal meeting took place at the Central Ambedkar Auditorium in Chiplun. Around fifteen to twenty people attended this meeting, which marked a significant moment in our journey.
It’s inspiring to see how Bhau Katdare’s speech and the collective vision led to the formation of Sangharsh Krida Mandal, marking the start of a new and meaningful chapter for everyone involved. The name “Sangharsh” truly reflects the spirit and determination of the team.
At that time, Manohar Sheth, a renowned photographer in Chiplun with a deep interest in kabaddi, was invited to be the president of the board, a role he accepted with enthusiasm. His support, along with the camaraderie within the team, was instrumental in the early days of the Sangharsh Sports Board.
One of the key challenges after leaving college was finding a new practice ground, as the college field was no longer accessible. This issue was resolved when Suresh Shetye, an admirer of our kabaddi skills, offered the ground of Shri Dev Juna Kalbhairav Mandir for practice. On the occasion of Dussehra, a kabaddi ground was constructed in the temple’s premises, and practice sessions began there. Even during the construction of the new temple structure, the team was provided with a ground at the newly acquired site, where practice continues to this day under the auspices of Shri Dev Juna Kalbhairav.
The Sangharsh Krida Mandal didn’t just focus on kabaddi; it also aimed to develop umpires and coaches. With the guidance of national coach Chandrakant Narvekar from the Railways, the team consistently trained, resulting in the production of skilled kabaddi players. Beyond sports, the board has been actively involved in cultural competitions, swimming competitions, dance competitions, tree plantation, blood donation, and various other community activities.
The commitment to fostering talent and contributing to the community reflects the spirit of “Sangharsh” in every endeavor.
